Item - 2024.TE13.44

The Toronto East York Community Council:

1. Overrode the technical analysis and authorized the placement of a temporary School Crossing Guard at the intersection of Acacia Road and Davisville Avenue until a subsequent warrant analysis can be conducted in the fourth quarter of 2024. 

I am writing to you today to request your support in directing city staff to place a school crossing guard at the intersection of Acacia Road and Davisville Avenue. 

On May 2nd, 2024, my office was made aware that a parent and their child were struck by a motorist while crossing Davisville Avenue at a designated Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) at Acacia Road while walking to Davisville Public School.  While we are heartened to hear that both victims are expected to make a full recovery, this incident has brought the safety of vulnerable road users to the front of everyone’s mind in the community.

Many local residents have reached out to my office since then, reporting that motorists not paying attention to the PXO is an all-too common occurrence and near-misses happen daily.  After speaking with city staff, the principal of Davisville Public School, and many residents, I have heard that an immediate near-term solution is required and that the solution include the immediate placement of a crossing guard at this PXO. 

Although this is only the beginning of traffic calming interventions my office will be undertaking on Davisville Avenue, I have heard loud and clear that a crossing guard is a necessary first step to make sure all vulnerable road users are safe.